Matthew 9:9-13

Today Pastor Raul launches a new series exploring a life in-step with Jesus. We’ll begin by reflecting on the invitation Christ extends to each of us to accept His salvation and enjoy a personal, eternal relationship with Him. Jesus never forces anyone to receive Him, but His unconditional love is for all people, from all walks of life. Learn more on Somebody Loves You with Pastor Raul Ries

“Oh we’ve never done it that way before!”  Has that thought ever raced through your mind at church?  Perhaps as the worship team has added some new instruments!  Or the pastor is now doing the announcements at the end of service instead of the beginning!   Today on a Daily Walk we’ll learn the need to be flexible in our endeavor to reach out to people, with the realization that God may want to do something new and different in this generation.   

Jesus came to earth and died on a cross because He loved a certain group of people: sinners.  He welcomes those who are caught in the trappings of sin to come to Him and receive His grace.  In this encouraging message entitled SINNERS WELCOME, Pastor Jeff Schreve shares Jesus’ heart for sinners and the grace that is available to those who receive that special surrendered relationship. 

Ever feel like you don’t belong? Like you’re not in the “in” group? Jesus’ disciple Matthew certainly did—as a tax collector, he was rejected and hated by his fellow Jews and by those in the “in” group. When Jesus called Matthew to be one of his followers, Matthew left his sinful lifestyle without hesitation—and then called his fellow “outsiders” to do the same!  In this message, Pete Briscoe gives us the background of Matthew’s story and shows us what this story really teaches us about Jesus himself.

We’re so often quick to size people up and think to ourselves, “Well they’re not a good fit!”  Some no doubt said that of the disciple we’ll meet today on a Daily Walk.  But Jesus saw something in him that others did not!  We’re looking at an unlikely calling today as we join pastor John Randall in Matthew chapter nine.